“Any man could, if he were so inclined, be the sculptor of his own brain.” ~Santiago Ramon Y Cajal Long story short, the human brain is amazing. When you were little, you had to learn how to walk. You fell down a bunch of times and probably bonked your head on stuff, but eventually you
“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” ― Henry James Recently, I was having an “off day” where I was ruminating about personal family matters as well as troubling world events. I was in my own
“The Beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people.” ~Unknown I have a neighbor who has surprised me. On the surface, I assumed she was a lot like me: a white, American woman of similar age with two little boys. Since becoming her friend, however, I have learned a great deal about
“We loved with a love that was more than love.” – Edgar Allan Poe Valentine’s Day is almost here. Typically, around this time of year, we hear all about how to better our intimate relationships and focus on our lovers. While the romantic aspect is fun and super important around this time of year, I
“Stillness is where creativity and solutions are found.” -Meister Eckhart According to the World Health Organization, mental wellness is defined as “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution
“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful parts of us.” ~ David Richo Not more than a decade ago, going to therapy had a negative stigma attached to it; it was something that people did not share or talk about. As time has passed and we have evolved, therapy has become
While there is no perfect cure for the loneliness that accompanies the holidays, it is important to recognize that loneliness is normal, hard, and experienced widely by many during this time of year. It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the time which, for many of us, means reconnecting with friends and family
“The secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting. For some, it’s a Broadway spotlight, for others, a laplit desk.” ~ Susan Cain At any given gathering, a group will always form around Lauren while she makes people belly laugh from her hilarious stories and unbelievable relatable anecdotes. She comes alive when
“I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.” ~ Will Arnett Well, we are now safely into December. Thanksgiving and her season of gratitude has passed…but what if we are still searching for thankfulness and contentment? Last post I wrote about the ABCs of gratitude–where
“Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty.” —Socrates We all have down days where we feel discouraged, defeated and troubled. Ruminating, however, is when we experience excessive, intrusive, and negative thoughts about experiences and feelings for an extended period of time. For example, a person with a history of trauma may be unable to
“Social media pulls us up into our heads. We’re judging, comparing and daydreaming about what we’re seeing online, so we’re not fully living our own life. Instead, we’re caught up in a virtual world that might not be exactly the way it appears.” ~Jane Pernotto Ehrman, MEd When we open Facebook or Instagram, what do
“Solitude vivifies; isolation kills.” ~ Joseph Roux There have been times where I have been so excited for a girls night or to get together with friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers. I look forward to catching up with the people I care about, getting to know new friends, and having an enjoyable time together. That
Melissa Cluff is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in North Texas, providing face-to-face and telehealth therapy options to clients in Texas.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in North Texas, providing face-to-face and telehealth therapy options to clients in Texas.
